Newmains woman Lynn Conlon could be only two years away from being free of diabetes after she embarked on a weight- loss journey that is transforming her health.

When bank worker Lynn, 46, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in September 2016, she naively thought she could control her condition without making changes to her diet.

Soon, she was taking three metformin tablets a day.

That prompted her to take action in October last year by joining the Newmains St Brigid’s Slimming World group that meets on a Monday at 5pm and 7pm. She weighed in at 18st 4lb and was wearing a dress size 24.

By March, she had lost almost three stone and her blood results showed she could reduce her metformin to two per day.

“Last week at my diabetic review, I was reduced to one metformin per day with a view to coming off medication totally if bloods remain at normal level for the next three months, which I am buzzing about,” said Lynn, who explained that after two years of no medication, she will have successfully reversed her diabetes.

A new-look slimline Lynn (Image: Lynn Conlon)

She puts her improved health and increased energy down to the Slimming World eating plan, whose tasty recipes mean she rarely has to eat the same thing twice.

“I batch cook curries and chilli and freeze them. On days when I am working, I just take a dish from the freezer before I leave for work and it’s defrosted when I get home. I only need to cook rice, pasta or potatoes and veg to have a really tasty and healthy meal,” contnued Lynn.

“The biggest benefit is having more energy. I no longer go home from work and go to bed, or lie on the couch and watch TV and eat whatever rubbish is available.”

Lynn invested in a treadmill and now comes home from work, changes in to her training gear and spends a period exercising before tucking into a tasty Slimming World recipe.

And when a snack attack strikes, she reaches for the fruit bowl – although she does stress the importance of being able to enjoy a bowl of crisps or glass of wine from treats outlined in the plan.

Lynn, who now weighs 14st 10lbs, wholeheartedly recommends the plan to anyone who wants to shed the pounds.

“With a target weight of 12st, I still have a long way to go on my Slimming World journey but the support of all the members in the group is terrific and the health benefits for me are just a bonus,” said Lynn.

She attends the Newmains St Brigids group on a Monday, run by consultant Ina Lawrie, who also runs another group at Netherton Bowling Club in Old Manse Road on Tuesday at 5pm and 7pm and Wednesday at 9.30am. Call Ina on 07969 565672.